Bar Code Graphics, Inc. Websites
www.gs1-us.info
www.gtin.info
www.gs1-128.info
www.barcode-us.com
www.tradingpartner.info
   
 

Overview:

GS1 DataBar (formerly known as RSS or Reduced Space Symbology) is a relatively new bar code symbology that is set to be adopted by the global supply chain by January 2010.  The GS1 DataBar can carry all 14 digits of a manufacture’s GTIN and is more than 50% smaller than the currently used UPC and EAN symbols.  This makes it particularly useful for identifying small/hard-to-mark items such as produce and pharmaceutical items.  Additionally, the GS1 DataBar symbol can carry GS1 Application Identifiers which allow additional information such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates to be encoded. 

The greater dimensional efficiency combined with the ability to encode additional data opens the doors for creating trade solutions that greater support product identification, traceability, quality control, and more flexible coding for coupon applications.

 
   Key Points  
Databar bar code symbols can encode all 14 digits of a GTIN-14 where UPC & EAN can not.
The Databar symbol is over 50% smaller than EAN/UPC so it can be used for smaller or hard to mark items.
Databar bar codes are not going to replace EAN/UPC symbols. Product manufacturers can decide the language they wish to use based on package design.
Databar symbols and GS1 Application Identifiers will be available in all trade item scanning systems beginning January 1, 2010. At that time, retail POS scanners should be able to autodiscriminate between the various GS1 barcode languages.
Adoption of the Databar symbology is critical to address the revised coupon coding requirements.

 

Types of Databar Formats

 DataBar-14
  • 14- digit encodation
  • Used for GTIN - 8,12,13,14
  • Omnidirectional scanning
  • Can be used at POS

DataBar-14 Stacked

  • 14- Digit encodation
  • Used for GTIN - 8,12,13,14
  • Omnidirectional scanning
  • Can be used at POS

DataBar Expanded
  • Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumberic
  • All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
  • Omnidirectional scanning
  • Can be used at POS

DataBar Expanded Stacked 

  • Maximum encodation of 74 numeric/41 alphanumberic
  • All GS1 Application Identifiers can be utilized
  • Omnidirectional scanning
  • Format used for new coupon
  • Can be used at POS

DataBar Limited 

  • 14-digit encodation
  • Used for GTIN - 8,12,13,14
  • Leading digit is always 0 or 1
  • Is not used at POS

DataBar Truncated

  • 14-digit encodation
  • Used for GTIN - 8,12,13,14
  • Is not used at POS

DataBar Stacked 

  • 14-digit encodation
  • Used for GTIN - 8,12,13,14
  • Is not used at POS

 

Applications for GS1 Databar

  • Fresh Food Products - Ideal for loose produce using GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional symbols. Retailers can now scan loose produce versus key entry providing 100% accuracy and achieving shrink control by differentiating conventional versus organic.  Products include; Produce, Meat, Seafood, Deli, Dairy, and Bakery.

  • Small Hard-to-Mark Consumer Product Goods.  Items such as; Cosmetics, Jewelry, Hardware, and Pharmeceutical.

  • Coupons - The revised coupon format allows for much needed flexibility and security. Click here for additional information.

 

If you require digital barcode artwork (eps format) for any type of symbol, please contact us by phone at 800-662-0701. Our in-house service bureau can create/send these files out within minutes. As of November 2008, Databar symbols will be available from www.createbarcodes.com but can be currently ordered through our internal service bureau with immediate delivery. Please click here for an Databar Coupon Order Form. As an added benefit, users can use our EPS Validation site (www.epsvalidator.com) to check the accuracy of digital barcodes and also review data entry for Databar Coupon bar code symbols.

Our application is the only GS1 certified solution to provide digital barcode artwork.